Time & Budget Friendly Preparations For Your Garden

While decking out your outdoor space with furnishings and accessories is a delightful way to welcome summer, there's a vital task to tackle before unveiling the loungers and setting up the firepit. After a winter of neglect, it's likely that your decking itself needs a bit of attention.

If the idea of adding this to your summer budget is a concern, rest assured, you're not alone. Revitalizing your deck can be costly, but it doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, there are numerous simple, budget-friendly approaches to kickstart the process of enhancing your outdoor space.

We sought advice from experts to gather their top suggestions for cost-effective deck improvements.

Cleaning First

Before starting on any deck improvement project, experts advise conducting a thorough assessment, and the most effective way to start is with a surface clean. Clear away clutter, dirt, and debris, addressing obvious stains, grime, and overgrown weeds. Complete the cleanup by trimming any bushes that may have become overgrown.

With this initial cleanup completed, experts suggest you'll be in the best position to survey the overall condition of your deck and make informed decisions on how to proceed with any necessary enhancements.

Get It Fresh

After completing the power washing process, there's a chance your deck or patio might already look presentable. However, if you find that things still appear a bit lackluster and worn out, there's a simple solution.
On average, decks typically benefit from a new coat every 1-2 years. If you haven't been doing it that frequently, you're not alone. Fortunately, applying a fresh coat of paint or stain is a budget-friendly yet highly effective method to transform the entire ambiance of your deck.

What About A Deck?

You might be facing an entirely different challenge: the absence of a deck. While building one can be a costly project, experts suggest it doesn't have to break the bank. In fact, you can opt for an environmentally friendly approach by using recycled materials, such as repurposed pallets.

Fill the slats from another pallet to quickly create a solid surface area that mimics the appearance and feel of a deck. Enhance the space by adding an umbrella for a purposeful accent and to define the area, and consider relocating potted plants to surround and complement the space.

Add Accesories

After thorough cleaning and, if needed, painting, it's time to introduce accessories to imrpove your outdoor space. If you're on a tight budget, simplicity is key. Consider incorporating string lighting, accent pillows, and potted plants, and outdoor rugs as recommended by experts.

Opt for straightforward, natural-colored furniture with rounded edges to establish a relaxing atmosphere. This type of furniture doesn't overly attract attention, contributing to a more open feel. Experts also emphasize that maintaining a minimal aesthetic is an effective way to naturally keep costs down while still achieving an appealing outdoor space.

Take A Seat

If you're aiming to enhance your outdoor space for summer gatherings, the quickest and most cost-effective method, according to the experts, is to add more seating. This, they note, is the number one way to make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. The good news is you don't have to rush out to buy an entirely new patio set.

Repurposing seating and tables from the indoors, which is not only cost-effective but also aligns with current trends by connecting your outdoor and indoor spaces. Arrange the seating in an inviting design that offers scenic views of your backyard.

They add a valuable piece of advice: if you're going to invest in anything, opt for quality materials that will withstand the test of time. For example, that wicker and rattan won't bend, warp, or rot, even during the winter months.